The Steamship Authority abruptly closed its Oak Bluffs terminal building Friday afternoon after learning that a shoreside employee for the private passenger ferry Seastreak had been in close contact with an individual who has tested positive for Covid-19.

The close contact was a week ago off-Island; the positive test result became known Friday, boat line spokesman Sean Driscoll said in a press release.

“The employee reported the contact to Seastreak today, Friday, May 22, after learning about the positive test result. The employee has been working at the facility since Monday, May 18, and has now been removed from duty,” the press release said.

All appropriate notifications are being made, although “it is believed the risk for potential exposure was low,” the press release said.

The employee has not had any symptoms but will be tested, the release also said. The employee, who was not identified, traveled to the Vineyard last weekend on an SSA vessel “but did not exit their vehicle during the voyage,” the release said.

The Seastreak began high-speed summer passenger service two days ago between New Bedford and Oak Bluffs. The SSA licenses the private passenger service. The SSA is not yet using the Oak Bluffs terminal due to repairs taking place on the drive-on wooden wharf. But the terminal building has been in use for Seastreak ticket sales, Mr. Driscoll confirmed.

The terminal building will be professionally cleaned and will reopen Saturday morning, the press release said.